World Cars
Avensis Verso combines the interior space levels of a multi-purpose vehicle with the aerodynamics, engine technology, safety, fuel economy, ride and handling, feature levels, environmental friendliness and low NVH of a passenger car. The key to Avensis Verso is its interior, with seven seats and load-carrying capacity. There are 18 possible combinations of seating, which include, folding the second and third-row seats flat, and a fla
t camping mode. The floor and seats are designed to provide walk-through access from the front to the second row seats. Avensis Verso has more than 300 litres of luggage space behind the third row of seats, and a unique 132-litre storage box under the rear floor. Avensis Verso's new all-alloy engine has intelligent variable valve timing (VVTi) - for a combination of energetic performance, high fuel efficiency (a vital consideration for families) and low (LEV) emissions. The two-litre engine has maximum power of 110kW at 6000rpm and 192Nm of torque at 4000rpm.Models offered: GLX manual and automatic, and Ultima automatic.
Suzuki Liana
Suzuki Liana replaces the Baleno range in Australia and goes on sale from November 2001. Just launched in selected international markets, the new Suzuki Liana is available in a single model style with a small car value benchmark price of just $19,990. Stylish and practical, the new Liana is packed full of standard features: dual SRS airbags, keyless entry with engine immobiliser, air-conditioning, CD stereo radio, electric windows and exterior mirrors, p
ower steering, multi-functional seating and loads of other features. It has the option of a standard five-speed manual or, at an additional $1900, four-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki’s new Liana is powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder all-aluminium multi-valve, fuel-injected engine delivering 76KW of power at 5500 rpm, and 144Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
Volvo XC90
Nissan X-Trial
The new X-TRAIL, like all vehicles in Nissan’s 2002 Four-Wheel Drive range, bears the company’s distinctive new brand identity badge on its grill, wheels, rear door and steering wheel. Powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the X-TRAIL utilises a smart All Mode 4x4 system, which provides maximum efficiency in normal driving, and maximum traction in more challenging conditions. A simple push button selection on the X-TRAIL’s dash allows the driver to choose between three driving modes depending on the conditions. In
AUTO mode, the X-TRAIL’s electronically controlled coupling engages four-wheel drive when sensors detect the need for extra traction and distribute the appropriate amount of torque from the front-wheels to the rear wheels. The newly designed four-cylinder engine is both smooth and powerful with plenty of low and mid range torque for off-road work and enough top end power to keep you on the go. Maximum power is 132kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 245Nm at 4000rpm. The 2.5-litre engine can be optioned with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. There are two models in the X-TRAIL line-up – ST and Ti. The top of the range Ti model is distinguishable by its larger 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake and dimpled seat trim.
Peugeot 307
Recently voted ‘European Car of the Year 2002’, the 307 is the class leading compact car in France. It comes with three engine options, two petrol and one HDi Turbo diesel having capacity of 1.6 litres to 2.0 litres. The output ranges from 80kW to 100kW. The sleek, stylish, almost monospace design of the Peugeot 307 disguises that it is one of the biggest
cars in its class. It is also one of the first cars in its class to feature six airbags as standard. The 1.6-litre, 16 valve (TU5JP4) engine with an alloy head on an iron block has a capacity of 1587cc. It develops 80 kW at 5800rpm and 147 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. It gives the 307 a top speed of 190 kmph, with 0-100 kmph taking 11.7 seconds on 5 door versions. It’s CO2 output is 169g/km. 85% of maximum torque is available from as low as 2000rpm and 95% between 3300rpm and 5000rpm, ensuring impressive driveability.
Honda Pilot
The last five years has seen a number of new entrants in the Indian Car Market. Today most of the international giants of the industry have a presence in the country, offering India-specific models. Although the quality-gap between the cars available in and out-side India is decreasing, the domestic industry may still have some catching up to do. That the total number of cars in India roughly equals those sold by General Motors - USA alone gives a perspective of the Indian Car Industry.
It would be interesting to see what these giants are offering in world markets, and World Cars takes a look at the state-of-affairs - latest models, concept cars, hi-tech features, industry news - at the international level.
It would be interesting to see what these giants are offering in world markets, and World Cars takes a look at the state-of-affairs - latest models, concept cars, hi-tech features, industry news - at the international level.
NEW WORLD LAUNCHES
Toyota Avensis Verso
Suzuki Liana
Suzuki XL-7
Volvo XC90
Nissan X-Trial
Peugeot 307
Honda Pilot
Toyota Avensis Verso
Avensis Verso combines the interior space levels of a multi-purpose vehicle with the aerodynamics, engine technology, safety, fuel economy, ride and handling, feature levels, environmental friendliness and low NVH of a passenger car. The key to Avensis Verso is its interior, with seven seats and load-carrying capacity. There are 18 possible combinations of seating, which include, folding the second and third-row seats flat, and a fla
t camping mode. The floor and seats are designed to provide walk-through access from the front to the second row seats. Avensis Verso has more than 300 litres of luggage space behind the third row of seats, and a unique 132-litre storage box under the rear floor. Avensis Verso's new all-alloy engine has intelligent variable valve timing (VVTi) - for a combination of energetic performance, high fuel efficiency (a vital consideration for families) and low (LEV) emissions. The two-litre engine has maximum power of 110kW at 6000rpm and 192Nm of torque at 4000rpm.Models offered: GLX manual and automatic, and Ultima automatic. Suzuki Liana
Suzuki Liana replaces the Baleno range in Australia and goes on sale from November 2001. Just launched in selected international markets, the new Suzuki Liana is available in a single model style with a small car value benchmark price of just $19,990. Stylish and practical, the new Liana is packed full of standard features: dual SRS airbags, keyless entry with engine immobiliser, air-conditioning, CD stereo radio, electric windows and exterior mirrors, p
ower steering, multi-functional seating and loads of other features. It has the option of a standard five-speed manual or, at an additional $1900, four-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki’s new Liana is powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder all-aluminium multi-valve, fuel-injected engine delivering 76KW of power at 5500 rpm, and 144Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Suzuki XL-7
Suzuki XL-7 is a luxurious seven-seater four-wheel-drive wagon. It`s said to be the only seven-seater four wheel drive available with a price tag of just $35,990! Suzuki’s seven-seat newcomer gets its extra passenger capacity via a 505mm longer wheelbase (over the Grand Vitara wagon), accommodating a family-sized third row of seats. Powering the new XL-7 is Suzuki’s familiar all-aluminium DOHC four valves per cylinder V6 engine, now out to a larger 2.7 Litre capacity, so that it produces a peak output of 130kW at 6,200rpm and 231Nm of torque at 3,300rpm.
Volvo XC90
The first SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) from Volvo Car Corporation made its debut at the Detroit Motor Show, January 7 2002. The passenger car-based, Volvo XC90 is the top of the line model in the Swedish carmaker’s new XC-range. The "cockpit forward design", where the passenger compartment has been moved as far forward in the vehicle as possible, and where the sloping windscreen is positioned further forwar
d than in most other SUV's makes it a seven-seater SUV within compact overall body dimensions. It is 4.80 metres (188.9") long, just 87 mm (3.4") longer than a Volvo V70. It is available with a choice of three engines, all made entirely of aluminium: An in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 2.9 litres, equipped with twin turbochargers which produces 272 bhp (200 kW) and has no less than 380 Nm of torque from just 1800 revs/min. An in-line 5-cylinder 2.5 litre petrol engine with a light-pressure turbocharger. It has a power output of 210 bhp (154 kW) and torque of 320 from 1500 revs/min. An in-line 5-cylinder 2.4 litre common rail turbodiesel engine produces 163 bhp (120 kW) and offers 340 Nm from 1750 revs/min. The 6-cylinder petrol engine meets the American ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) requirements, while the 5-cylinder petrol engine already meets ULEV II, a standard that does not come into force until model year 2004.
d than in most other SUV's makes it a seven-seater SUV within compact overall body dimensions. It is 4.80 metres (188.9") long, just 87 mm (3.4") longer than a Volvo V70. It is available with a choice of three engines, all made entirely of aluminium: An in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 2.9 litres, equipped with twin turbochargers which produces 272 bhp (200 kW) and has no less than 380 Nm of torque from just 1800 revs/min. An in-line 5-cylinder 2.5 litre petrol engine with a light-pressure turbocharger. It has a power output of 210 bhp (154 kW) and torque of 320 from 1500 revs/min. An in-line 5-cylinder 2.4 litre common rail turbodiesel engine produces 163 bhp (120 kW) and offers 340 Nm from 1750 revs/min. The 6-cylinder petrol engine meets the American ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) requirements, while the 5-cylinder petrol engine already meets ULEV II, a standard that does not come into force until model year 2004.Nissan X-Trial
The new X-TRAIL, like all vehicles in Nissan’s 2002 Four-Wheel Drive range, bears the company’s distinctive new brand identity badge on its grill, wheels, rear door and steering wheel. Powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the X-TRAIL utilises a smart All Mode 4x4 system, which provides maximum efficiency in normal driving, and maximum traction in more challenging conditions. A simple push button selection on the X-TRAIL’s dash allows the driver to choose between three driving modes depending on the conditions. In
AUTO mode, the X-TRAIL’s electronically controlled coupling engages four-wheel drive when sensors detect the need for extra traction and distribute the appropriate amount of torque from the front-wheels to the rear wheels. The newly designed four-cylinder engine is both smooth and powerful with plenty of low and mid range torque for off-road work and enough top end power to keep you on the go. Maximum power is 132kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 245Nm at 4000rpm. The 2.5-litre engine can be optioned with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. There are two models in the X-TRAIL line-up – ST and Ti. The top of the range Ti model is distinguishable by its larger 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake and dimpled seat trim.Peugeot 307
Recently voted ‘European Car of the Year 2002’, the 307 is the class leading compact car in France. It comes with three engine options, two petrol and one HDi Turbo diesel having capacity of 1.6 litres to 2.0 litres. The output ranges from 80kW to 100kW. The sleek, stylish, almost monospace design of the Peugeot 307 disguises that it is one of the biggest
cars in its class. It is also one of the first cars in its class to feature six airbags as standard. The 1.6-litre, 16 valve (TU5JP4) engine with an alloy head on an iron block has a capacity of 1587cc. It develops 80 kW at 5800rpm and 147 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. It gives the 307 a top speed of 190 kmph, with 0-100 kmph taking 11.7 seconds on 5 door versions. It’s CO2 output is 169g/km. 85% of maximum torque is available from as low as 2000rpm and 95% between 3300rpm and 5000rpm, ensuring impressive driveability. Honda Pilot
American Honda Motor Co's unveiled a pre-production version of its Pilot SUV at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. Designed as the ultimate fa
mily adventure vehicle, the Pilot is an all-new SUV that combines rugged versatility with quality, refinement and innovative design. Featuring a 3.5 litre VTEC V6 engine, the Pilot contains a sophisticated VTM-4 full-time 4WD system, a five-speed automatic transmission and can seat eight people.
mily adventure vehicle, the Pilot is an all-new SUV that combines rugged versatility with quality, refinement and innovative design. Featuring a 3.5 litre VTEC V6 engine, the Pilot contains a sophisticated VTM-4 full-time 4WD system, a five-speed automatic transmission and can seat eight people.